OUR COLLECTION — AFRICA — KENYA 92. LARGE KISII STONE NATIVITY
This Nativity set carved from Kisii stone features the Holy Family, an angel with a very stern expression, three wise men, and a busy shepherd who tends 50 sheep. The tallest piece is almost 9.5 inches tall.
A large deposit of a uniquely colored hardened mineral steatite (pyrolite or volcanic ash), commonly called Kisii stone or soft soapstone, is found near the small village of Tabaka in the beautiful Kisii District of western Kenya, about a six-hour drive from Nairobi. Kisii craftsmen have carved soapstone into all sorts of shapes and designs, like pipes and utensils, for many years. The stone varies in color from rose to white with many variations between. The colors in this Nativity are all the natural color of the stone itself. These amazing sculptures are each handcrafted without the use of commercial machinery. The men in the village do the carving and the women do the polishing. This industry supports many people in that area.
A large deposit of a uniquely colored hardened mineral steatite (pyrolite or volcanic ash), commonly called Kisii stone or soft soapstone, is found near the small village of Tabaka in the beautiful Kisii District of western Kenya, about a six-hour drive from Nairobi. Kisii craftsmen have carved soapstone into all sorts of shapes and designs, like pipes and utensils, for many years. The stone varies in color from rose to white with many variations between. The colors in this Nativity are all the natural color of the stone itself. These amazing sculptures are each handcrafted without the use of commercial machinery. The men in the village do the carving and the women do the polishing. This industry supports many people in that area.